5 Most Popular Catered Dishes and How to Make Them
Are you hosting an event? Choosing the right menu is critical to creating a memorable experience. From decadent main dishes to crowd-pleasing sides, these five popular catered dishes will satisfy guests at any gathering. Here’s a rundown of these favorites, with recipes to bring them to life!
1. Mini Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is an iconic dish, traditionally served as a large roast. In mini form, it’s a fantastic appetizer that combines savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides, then set aside to cool.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms and garlic and sauté until the liquid has evaporated. Season and allow to cool.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares. Spread a bit of mustard on each square, add a mushroom layer, then top with a beef cube.
- Wrap the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges with egg wash. Brush each wrapped beef cube with egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Caprese Skewers
These skewers are a fresh, visually appealing appetizer. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this dish is easy to assemble and always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1-pint cherry and heirloom tomatoes
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzle)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Throw a tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball on each skewer.
- Arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
3. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
This Southeast Asian-inspired dish brings juicy grilled chicken and a creamy, slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce that’s both satisfying and exotic.
Ingredients (Chicken Satay):
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Skewers soaked if wooden
Ingredients (Peanut Sauce):
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- Water to thin sauce, as needed
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in a mix of coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, soy sauce, and brown sugar for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and honey for the peanut sauce. Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the grilled chicken with a side of peanut sauce.
4. Butternut Squash Risotto
This creamy, comforting side dish is perfect for autumn and winter events. It's rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and stir until it begins to look translucent.
- Add wine and cook until absorbed.
- Slowly add warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Add more stock as each ladle is absorbed until rice is tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté butternut squash until tender, then add it to the risotto.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh sage.
5. Classic Shrimp Cocktail
A seafood classic, shrimp cocktail is light and refreshing. It can be presented beautifully on ice with a side of tangy cocktail sauce.
Ingredients (Shrimp):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Salt, to taste
Ingredients (Cocktail Sauce):
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of salted water with lemon slices and garlic to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and chill immediately.
- For the cocktail sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Serve shrimp over ice with cocktail sauce on the side.
Enjoy these crowd-pleasing dishes at your next event! Each dish adds a unique flavor, and with these recipes, you can prepare them at home or coordinate with a caterer to recreate the magic for your guests.
